‘That is certainly not a very appealing future’ – his frown deepened – ‘and I think I may say not “poor you” specifically, but “poor ladies” in general, without you objecting.’

‘Granted.’ Henrietta sighed. ‘This is not a very cheerful conversation, Lord Henfield. At the risk of flouting convention, and sounding terribly forward, will you please ask me to dance with you?’

‘I think, in the circumstances, it might be the only way to lift our spirits, Miss Gaydon. Will you do me the honour of granting me the next dance, if my aged bones have sufficiently recovered, of course?’

‘Why, sir, what a charming idea. Let me see, oh yes, it is free.’ Henrietta smiled, and placed her hand in his. The evening improved, for both of them.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Henrietta slept much better, and rose earlier. It was she who went to her cousin’s chamber, and sat in the window seat, looking at Caroline, night cap askew and rubbing her eyes, and said the one word.

‘Well?’

‘Oh.’ Caroline paused, then a slow smile spread across her face. ‘He told you, then.’

‘He did.’ Henrietta pressed the back of her hand to her forehead, in a manner worthy of a Siddons, and declared, ‘My own hopes dashed, Caroline! How could you?’ She then ruined the effect by laughing. ‘Sweet cousin, I wish you every happiness.’

‘Thank you. Henrietta, he is the most … I am so fortunate to … yet I am still afraid that …’

‘Love has robbed you of the ability to complete a sentence? Yes, it is rather worrying.’

‘I wish it were but that.’ Caroline’s smile faded. ‘I am so happy, and yet I fear that our mutual affection will not be able to overcome parental prejudice.’

‘Lord Martley told me of that, although that encounter at the exhibition showed the state of affairs between Lady Pirbright and your mama. But Caroline, would she persuade my uncle to withhold his permission, if your happiness were at stake?’

‘If I had not seen the depth of their antipathy, I would say she would not, Henrietta, but … whatever lies between them is an unbridgeable gulf.’

‘If it is as it looks, one wonders what on earth could occasion such long-standing loathing. I have not been told to keep my distance; in fact, his name is probably on the List.’

‘The List?’ Caroline looked bemused, and Henrietta coloured.

‘Er, you know your mama loves her lists, Caroline. I am sure she has lists for us too, lists of acceptable suitors, and such.’ Henrietta did not want to actually admit to having seen such a list, and tried to sound vague.

‘Well, if she has one, every other name must be crossed off, because I cannot, cannot imagine marrying anyone else. If they keep us apart I shall rather end an old maid.’ Caroline sounded defiant.